India’s fisheries sector has registered a strong uptick in export performance following global tariff shifts, with total shipments rising from about ₹60,000 crore to ₹68,000 crore, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Satya Pal Singh Baghel announced during the second National Veterinary, Dairy and Fisheries Symposium 2026 held in Nagpur. The minister attributed this nearly 25% growth to India’s proactive market diversification efforts after the United States imposed new tariff measures on certain seafood imports.
Speaking on the sidelines of the symposium organized by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Baghel said the government’s immediate focus was to identify new geographies and buyers to absorb India’s export supply. “Our officials visited Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asian nations to tap fresh demand for Indian seafood varieties like prawns, tuna, and other marine products,” he stated. The expansion into these new regions has not only offset the impact of US tariffs but also set a foundation for India’s long-term export resilience.
The Union Minister emphasized that the government’s next target is to achieve ₹1 lakh crore in fisheries exports within the next five years. “We have seen strong momentum even after tariff constraints. The aim now is to build capacity, enhance processing infrastructure, and strengthen logistics across export hubs,” he added. This marks a significant ambition for the fisheries industry, which has consistently been one of India’s top agro-export contributors, according to Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) data.
The rise in exports from ₹60,000 crore to ₹68,000 crore comes at a time when global seafood trade is undergoing major realignment. Following US tariffs, India diversified quickly towards regions such as Spain, Italy, Japan, and Vietnam — nations with strong import demand for white shrimp and tuna species. According to MPEDA figures, shrimp alone accounts for more than 40% of India’s total marine exports, driving foreign exchange earnings and rural employment.
Baghel credited coastal states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as being central to this export boom. “These regions serve both inland and marine bases, enabling steady production capacity even during seasonal fluctuations,” he noted. Andhra Pradesh remains the largest shrimp-producing state, contributing nearly 35% of India’s total farmed prawn outpu.
The fisheries export surge has also reflected positively on related stock movements — notably Avanti Feeds Ltd, one of India’s key shrimp feed and processing exporters. The company’s share price has seen renewed investor interest amid reports of rising global demand for Indian shrimp and recovery in export margins. Market analysts cite India’s diversification efforts as a major contributor to the optimism surrounding Avanti Feeds and other aquaculture companies.
Stocks like Waterbase Ltd and Coastal Corporation Ltd have similarly gained traction in recent months, backed by strong export data and government stimulus for the Blue Economy. Baghel’s remarks come in alignment with the Centre’s larger push under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to modernize fisheries infrastructure, improve cold chain logistics, and expand inland aquaculture practices.
The Union Minister also highlighted that his ministry was prioritizing reduction in post-harvest losses, better integration with global supply chains, and higher standards in packaging and certification. “We are ensuring international compliance for packaging and sanitary standards to maintain India’s credibility in global seafood trade,” Baghel said.
According to MPEDA’s forecast, India’s marine product exports could cross $10 billion by FY2030 if diversification continues at the current pace. The government’s collaboration with states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for next-generation aquaculture zones is expected to add to production capacity and export competitiveness.
Baghel concluded by reinforcing the broader goal of sustainable coastal livelihoods: “This export growth benefits not only India’s economy but also strengthens rural income in coastal and island regions. Our next milestone is ₹1 lakh crore in exports—and we’re on our way.”
India’s diversification post-US tariffs is proving more than just adaptive—it’s a statement of strategic strength. As global seafood markets reconfigure, the rise from ₹60,000 crore to ₹68,000 crore reflects both resilience and opportunity for India’s marine economy.
